Donovan Says Bulls' Best Interest is Top Priority After Reinsdorf Endorsement

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan plans to meet with team president Michael Reinsdorf after the season to discuss his future.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:52am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with players and the court reduced to abstract shapes and planes of color, capturing the uncertainty and transition facing the Chicago Bulls organization.A cubist interpretation of the uncertainty surrounding the Chicago Bulls' coaching future.Washington Today

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan expressed appreciation for the endorsement from team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf, who made it clear he wants Donovan to remain in the job. However, Donovan said he understands that the team's best interest is the top priority as he plans to meet with Reinsdorf after the season to discuss his future.

Why it matters

Donovan's future with the Bulls is uncertain after the team made sweeping changes to its front office, firing executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley. Donovan's tenure has produced just one playoff appearance in six seasons, raising questions about his long-term viability as the team's head coach.

The details

Donovan, who is finishing his 11th season in the NBA and sixth with the Bulls, said he loves it in Chicago and has enjoyed the working relationship with team leadership, including Jerry and Michael Reinsdorf. However, he acknowledged the team's lack of success, with his teams advancing beyond the first round of the playoffs only once, when Oklahoma City reached the 2015-16 Western Conference finals in his first season.

  • Donovan plans to meet with Michael Reinsdorf after the season.

The players

Billy Donovan

The 60-year-old Chicago Bulls head coach who is finishing his 11th season in the NBA and sixth with the Bulls.

Michael Reinsdorf

The Chicago Bulls team president and CEO who made it clear he wants Donovan to remain as the team's head coach.

Jerry Reinsdorf

The owner of the Chicago Bulls.

Arturas Karnisovas

The former executive vice president of basketball operations for the Chicago Bulls, who was fired on Monday.

Marc Eversley

The former general manager of the Chicago Bulls, who was fired on Monday.

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What they’re saying

“I think Michael was making the point of how he felt about me. But I also understand that, like I said, everybody's got to look out for what is best for the Bulls at that point in time.”

— Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls Head Coach

“I love it here. I've loved the relationship piece. Not only Jerry and Michael, but the people in the building, the staff. It's been an awesome working environment, and I enjoy it. But we're at this place because we really haven't won a lot.”

— Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls Head Coach

What’s next

Donovan plans to meet with Michael Reinsdorf after the season to discuss his future with the team.

The takeaway

Donovan's future with the Bulls remains uncertain despite Reinsdorf's endorsement, as the team's lack of success during his tenure has raised questions about his long-term viability as head coach. The upcoming meeting between Donovan and Reinsdorf will be crucial in determining Donovan's fate with the organization.